Question

check for understanding
answer the following questions.

1. in your own words, what is land use?
2. why are impervious surfaces problematic?
3. do you think housing or agriculture are more disruptive to natural habitats? why?

Explanation:

1. Land use refers to the human - activity based utilization of land, such as for agriculture, housing, industry etc.
2. Impervious surfaces like roads and parking lots prevent water infiltration, leading to increased runoff, reduced groundwater recharge, and potential flooding. They also disrupt natural habitats and can cause heat - island effects.
3. Both housing and agriculture can be disruptive to natural habitats. Housing often leads to direct habitat loss through land clearing for construction. Agriculture may involve deforestation for farmland, use of pesticides that can harm wildlife, and water resource diversion. However, large - scale industrial agriculture might be more disruptive in terms of habitat fragmentation and chemical pollution over a wider area compared to some housing developments.

Answer:

1. Land use is how humans utilize land for various activities such as farming, building homes, and setting up industries.
2. Impervious surfaces are problematic because they reduce water infiltration, increase runoff and flooding risks, disrupt habitats, and can cause heat - island effects.
3. Large - scale industrial agriculture may be more disruptive to natural habitats due to habitat fragmentation, chemical pollution, and water resource diversion compared to some housing developments, although both can cause significant disruption.